Basal Thermometer Tips to Conceive

by Atell Rohlandt on July 20, 2015

Atell Rohlandt

About the Author

Atell Rohlandt is in her early 30s, a freelancer, and the proud mother of an adventurous and inquisitive little boy. Her interests include writing, health and beauty, frugal living, women's health, nail art, arts and crafts, and DIY projects. Her work has been published on a number of sites including Daily Glow, Excite, WiseGEEK and Hubpages.

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WhatToExpect.com supports Word of Mom as a place to share stories and highlight the many perspectives and experiences of pregnancy and parenting. However, the opinions expressed in this section are those of individual writers and do not reflect the views of Heidi Murkoff of the What to Expect brand.

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If you're considering buying a basal thermometer, chances are you're trying to conceive. Knowing which thermometer to get and how to use it correctly will ensure that BBT (Basal Body Temperature) charting is a little easier, especially if you're new to the idea.

Initially I made the mistake of buying a regular digital thermometer, thinking it would work the same way. I later realized it won't do the job. A BBT thermometer is more sensitive than a regular one. Usually a thermometer will be accurate to .1 of a degree, but basal ones are accurate up to .01 of a degree. During your monthly cycle your basal body temperature will fluctuate; it should fall right before ovulation and then rise suddenly afterwards. Exactly how much it falls and rises varies from one woman to the next, but the changes are fairly subtle and may be tenths of a degree. This is why it's important to get a thermometer that is sensitive enough.

There's also the choice between digital thermometers and mercury ones. The second thermometer I purchased was a mercury one, but I didn't realize it until the package was delivered. Mercury thermometers can be harder to use, because they have to be shaken down after use and reading them first thing in the morning can be tricky. The thing I like most about the mercury thermometer is that it seems to be more accurate, and that's an opinion I've found most experts share. Even though I purchased a digital one, I'm sticking with the mercury one for now. It takes longer to use, but so far it's given me better results.

There are a few things you should remember when taking your temperature. It should be done after at least three to five hours' sleep. I've noticed temperature spikes if I'm sleep deprived or even if I'm upset about something.

Taking your temperature should also be the first thing you do when you wake up. Don't kick off the blankets or make a quick trip to the bathroom. Always shake down the thermometer the night before (if you're using a mercury one). Something as simple as talking could raise your basal body temperature, so it really should be done before you do anything else.

Decide how you're going to take your temperature and then stick with that method for the cycle. You could take your temperature orally or vaginally, but don't mix and match within the same cycle. I always take mine orally, because it's easier, especially first thing in the morning.

A basal thermometer is a wonderful tool, not only because it helps pinpoint ovulation, but the charting process also encourages body awareness. It's a simple device that can really empower a woman and help her take control of her fertility the natural way.

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